friends, church, family, life... a good thing

First, just wanting to highlight Meredith's journey to Sevilla, Granada and soon Morocco. This was an excerpt from her blog regarding the flight attendants:
I was also warned repeatedly about the boys in Morocco and they all fretted over my safety because I have the "typical" American girl look. I don't know what that means, but Roll Tide.
She has made it safely, gotten place to place and is quickly becoming the coolest independent friend I know. That being said, Lauren is also making her way along in Botswana. Her emails explained the hard first adjustment to the people and the place, but the Lord continues to work in her life as she settles and meets new friends.

This semester is quickly approaching, I move back to school this Tuesday and class begins Wednesday... only not really because my only M/W class is PE and everything else is T/Tr. So that makes for a pretty nice start to school I'd say. On the other hand, my heart is slowly realizing the weight of going back to a place with a handful of my closest friends gone. I feel like I'm starting freshman year all over again when I only knew a few people. That's silly, I know plenty of friends, but that anticipation of creating deeper friendships all over again is making me anxious. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships that are still there and am looking forward to having more time to deepen and develop those.

This month has been so busy, so full and such a learning experience. I've been at church most days just working and interning and soaking up all the Godly leadership above me that my little heart can handle. To hear the wisdom of my youth ministers and leaders is always precious; but to work alongside them as they handle difficult situations, make plans, and share their hearts for ministry has been beyond my wildest dreams. It's like fastforwarding through school and just soaking up the real-life, hands-on aspects of my education. This is what I want to do with my life: have a job that allow me to develop relationships with girls needing discipleship and encouragement in their walk with the Lord. A job that gives Biblical teaching as its regular source of learning and that has ample time to strengthen the body of Christ. This month has been like a dream, and the best part is there are three more months for this waiting for me in the summer.

In the meantime, I get to do the same type ministry at Englewood in Jackson with the middle school. And I get to jump right in for the semester, next weekend I will be joining the girls and their mothers at a retreat close to Jackson. What a blessing. Although middle school is typically not my first choice of interest, I think that the Lord has some big things in store to teach me about His plans vs. my plans. Obviously, doesn't He always?

The Lord has given me so much rest and fulfillment this month. I've had time at home, time with my parents, precious time with Melanie as she has travelled home for a few weeks. I've spent weekends with Ethan, hours at the church doing art and ministry (what could be better?), and been able to visit with one of my dearest friends Meredith as she prepared for a semester in Morocco. (Might I add, props to her for packing for four months in one duffel, one backpack and a small carry on for camera equipment. I basically use the same amount of luggage for a weekend away.)

God has blessed me beyond anything I could have expected. And that rest was much needed coming out of such a difficult end to a semester. This next phase of my life is about to be so different, but I know the Lord has such big plans for renewal and refining. Bring it on!